EMBRYOLOGY-1

The period during embryonic development (weeks 3-8) when organs are formed and most susceptible to damage from teratogens.

A chemical, physical or biological agent that can cause birth defects by interfering with fetal development.

The process of creating gametes (sperm and egg cells).

The stage of embryonic development characterized by the formation of the three germ layers (ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm).

A period of rapid cell division following fertilization.

A genetic condition characterized by accelerated aging, resulting from a mutation in the LMNA gene.

A period of embryonic development (week 9 to 38) during which the basic organ plan is finalized. Functional alterations, but not morphological changes, can still occur.

The length of the fetus from the crown of the head to the rump, measured by ultrasound during the first trimester to estimate gestational age.

The process of forming the body's shape and structure, involving folding, tube formation, and the development of organ rudiments.

Factors, including genetic mutations, environmental exposures, and multifactorial inheritance, that can lead to birth defects.

The process in which primordial germ cells (PGCs) increase in number through mitotic cell division.

The stage of gametogenesis where the number of chromosomes is reduced by half through meiosis.

The process by which female germ cells develop into eggs. It starts early in life but progresses slowly, with only one egg completing meiosis each month.

The process by which male germ cells develop into sperm. It begins at puberty and continues throughout life, with millions of sperm being produced daily.

Immature female germ cells that are surrounded by supporting cells called follicles.

Female germ cells that have entered and paused in meiosis I.

Immature male germ cells that are capable of undergoing meiosis to produce sperm.

A process that occurs during meiosis, where genetic material is exchanged between homologous chromosomes, creating new combinations of genes.

A physical barrier separating the seminiferous tubule into two compartments: the basal compartment (where spermatogonia reside) and the adluminal compartment (where spermatocytes and later stages of sperm development occur).

The condensed nucleus of a sperm cell, containing the male genetic material. It is shaped and compacted during spermiogenesis.

A specialized vesicle located at the head of the sperm, containing enzymes essential for fertilization.

The tail of a sperm cell, composed of microtubules, which enables sperm motility.

A type of junctional complex formed by Sertoli cells within the seminiferous tubule, contributing to the blood-testis barrier.

Sertoli cells convert some testosterone into estrogens, which then travel back to Leydig cells, stimulating their function.

The state of immune tolerance is disrupted by inflammation or infection in the male genital tract, potentially leading to infertility.

Inhibin, produced by Sertoli cells, travels through the bloodstream to the pituitary gland, inhibiting FSH secretion.

Sperm count below 10 million per ml, impaired movement, abnormal shape, genetic changes, medication, hormonal imbalances, environmental factors, smoking, and blocked reproductive ducts can all lead to male infertility.

A state where a man is unable to father a child due to factors affecting sperm production, function, or delivery.

Immature follicles that contain an oocyte surrounded by a single layer of flat granulosa cells.

Follicles that are growing in size, with an oocyte surrounded by multiple layers of cuboidal or stratified granulosa cells.

Mature follicles that are ready for ovulation, containing a large oocyte surrounded by a thick layer of granulosa cells.

The outer layer of cells surrounding a developing follicle, divided into two parts: the theca interna with a glandular appearance and LH receptors, and the theca externa, a protective layer of fibroblast-like cells.

Pre-antral follicles are characterized by the formation of small fluid-filled spaces, known as cell-Exner bodies, among the granulosa cells.

The cavity within an antral (or Graafian) follicle, filled with fluid called liquor folliculi. This fluid is rich in hyaluronic acid and proteins, contributing to the antrum's growth.

The cells surrounding the oocyte within an antral follicle, collectively called cumulus oophorus. Those adjacent to the theca interna are called the proper granulosa cells.

FSH receptors on granulosa cells trigger the production of estrogens, while LH receptors on theca interna cells trigger the production of testosterone. This testosterone is then transported to granulosa cells to be converted to estrogens by the aromatase enzyme.

The membrana granulosa, a basal lamina that acts as a barrier between the granulosa cells and the capillaries.

The process of cell division (mitosis) in the ovary leads to the production of multiple follicles, but only one follicle will usually mature and release an egg.

During follicular development, the number of FSH and LH receptors on the cells increases, as does hormone synthesis.

Finger-like projections at the opening of the Fallopian tube that capture the released egg.

The process by which the egg travels from the Fallopian tube to the uterus, aided by muscle contractions and cilia.

The initial, slower phase of egg transport in the ampullary region of the Fallopian tube, allowing time for fertilization if sperm is present.

The rapid phase of egg transport from the isthmus to the uterus, propelling the egg towards its destination.

The fluid that carries sperm during ejaculation, containing nutrients and substances that help sperm survive and fertilize an egg.

The process by which sperm travel from the epididymis to the vagina, where they may fertilize an egg.

The time period during which sperm can remain functional within the female reproductive tract.

The blockage of the Fallopian tube, preventing the egg from reaching the uterus and causing infertility.